“A Century of Service. The Events, People and Places that shaped The RSL in Bendigo 1915 - 2015 “, By "Murray Poustie". The Author served on the Committee of the Bendigo District RSL from 2003 - 2009. He was Treasurer for 4 years. He also served on a number of Sub Committees, House and Finance, Welfare, Commemorative (Chair of) and the Memorial Walls. He is also Returning Officer and a Sub Branch Historian. Murray was made a Life Member 2019. Within the subjects, brsl, smirsl, a large amount of the information supplied re people, events, life membership, committee, dates/times were from this book. Soft cover book. Cover- cardboard ,red, blue and white print on front, spine and back. Background illustration, blue colour tones. The Memorial Hall, Pall Mall C1924 with image of a soldier on front. The Memorial Hall 2014 with 2 x RSL badges in colour on back. Inside cover- end papers- illustrated collage of images in colour. 239 pages. Paper, cut, plain, white. Illustrated block and white photographs, graphs and certificates smirsl, brsl, century, service

The top photo shows from left to right Max O'Haloran President Bendigo RSL, Ernie Jackman and Jack Barnes Secretary Bendigo RSL. The bottom image is Max O'Haloran. The article has a number of statisticts worth noting. 1. This year will be the 75th Anniversay of Anzac at Gallipoli. 2. Henry Fullerton will be one of 57 to visit Gallipoli for the Anniversary. (Refer Cat 4069.2) 3. There was 300,000 Members of the RSL Australia. 4. There was 60,000 Members in Victoria. 5. In the Bendigo region approx 1,200 members. 6. Victoria lost 3,000 members in 1998. 7. Bendigo lost 84 members. 8. The Anzac & Poppy Appeals between the years 1960 - 1989 raised $139,700.00 1989 was a record sum of $28,000.00 For Max O'Haloran's RSL Service refer Cat No 8129P. Ernie Jackman's RSL Service refer Cat No 8278. Jack Barne's RSL Service refer Cat No 8040. Bendigo Advertiser article Saturday 6th of January 1990 on page 4. Article is near full page with two B & W photos, top has three men in, the bottom one.Main Headline, "Soldiers in a never ending War"smirsl, brsl

This print was displayed in the main function room of the Bendigo District RSL Sub Branch Havilah Road.. This is one of a pair the other being HRH Prince Phillip, refer Cat No 8186.to be enteredbrsl, smirsl

This item was originally hanging over the double doors inside the Billiard Room of the Soldiers Memorial Institute pre being a Museum in 1998. After the renovations to the SMI 2016 - 18 it was placed on the other side of the double doors in the foyer. It is not clear when this item came to the SMI but it was many years prior to SMI becoming a museum.Very large framed black and white print of a painting of " The Landing of the Anzacs, 25th April, 1915" from original by Charles Dixon R.I 1915. Title - Presented to White Hills Reading Room by Vernon Rymer ESQ, November 14th, 1921. Frame - heavy timber, dark brown stain with gold painted inner edge, glass front. Mount - Off white cardboardBelow print/painting - Block printing - title of painting " THE LANDING OF THE ANZACs 25 April 1915 , Presented to White Hills Reading Room by Vernon Rymer ESQ" brsl, smirsl

Bendigo RSL Sub Branch Committee 1993, the photo was taken in the old meeting room now the Building and RSL history room SMI, BMM. Standing at rear, Ted Kennedy, Frank O’Connell, Cliff Richards, Bill Scholtens, Jack Barnes, Alan Holmes, M Beams, Laure Schilling, Les Waters. Sitting. Jack Colston, Max O’Haloran, Jack Fay, Norm Smart, Fred Addlem. Not present Cliff Clohesy, Ian Bates. Committee history re the above as per listed. Kennedy 1993 to 1997, 1999 to 2000. O’Connell 1993 to 1999. Richards 1992 to 2017 President 2002 to 2017. Scholtens 1985 to 1987,1989, 1993 to 1997, 2001 to 2002. Barnes refer Cat No 8040. Holmes 1993 to 2001, President 1997 to 2001. Beams 1992 to 1993, Schilling 1992 to 2001. Waters 1985, 1988 to 1995. Colston 1979 to 1996, 1999 to 2000. O’Haloran 1961, 1963, 1971, 1982 to 1992, President 1961, 1963, 1983 to 1992. Fay 1958 to 1960, 1963 to 1996, 1998 to 2000. Smart 1985 to 2002 refer Cat No 8131.2P. Addlem 1982 to 1996, 1998 to 2000. Clohesy 1981 to 1991, 1993 to 1996 President 1993 to 1996. Bates 1990 to 1997, 1999. Photograph colour showing 14 men sitting/standing at the end of a table. On the rear is text in red pen.On rear, “C Clohesy away, I Bates away, Committee 1993”brsl, smirsl

Members of the Bendigo RSL Sub Branch 1988. From left to right. John Edward Widdison - Fay (Jack) Served on Committee 1958 to 1960, 1963 to 1996, 1998 too 2000, Treasurer for the year 1963. Museum Sub Committee member 1997 to 2015/16 and Museum guide, conducted RSL funerals for many years, served on the Servicemen’s Co - Operative Society for many years until 2000, involved in fund raising, made Life Member in 2015. He was also heavily involved n the RAAF Association with terms as President and Secretary. Culmer John Plant (Jack). Served on Committee 1965 to 1971, 1974 to 1975, 1977 to 1982, 1984 to 1992, President for the years 1969 to 1971, 1974 to 1975, 1980 to 1982, Delegate to the 27 District Board of the RSL, Honorary Organiser of the Bendigo RSL Diggers Day Bowls for 4 years, made a Life Member 1974. Ronald Barton. Served on Committee 1983 to 1992. Refer Cat No 8130P. William James Norman Smart (Norm). Refer Cat No 8131.2P John Kerr Barnes (Jack). Refer Cat No 8040 Henry Maxwell Frances O’Haloran (Max), Served on Committee for the years 1961, 1963, 1971, 1982 to 1992, President for the years 1961, 1963, 1983 to 1992, served as RSL Country Vice President, made Life Member 1990, Served as President of the Bendigo District Servicemen’s Club 1981 to 1992, awarded an MBE in 1982 for his Community involvement. Photograph colour showing 6 members of the Bendigo RSL standing out the front of the Soldiers Memorial Institute Pall Mall Bendigo, gardens behind and in the background is the Myers Building.Stamped on the back, “17 MAR 1988”smirsl, brsl

The two men in the photo are Bendigo RSL Members, Jack Fay on the left, Ron Barton on the right. Information supplied has a date of 1993 with. Refer Cat No 8129P for their RSL involvement.Photograph colour showing two men sitting with table, RSL raffle sign, to the left is the RSL Xmas stocking for the raffle. Place is Manchester Buildng in Pall Mall Bendigo virtually opposite the Soldiers Memorial Institute Building Bendigo RSL HQ. brsl, smirsl

These membership cards were used pre 1990, from then on the League became known as The Returned & Service's League of Australia. These were filled in by a prospective new member and forwarded to RSL HQ in Melbourne for approval.Membership cards, blue with black text double sided, front has spaces for the person to fill in details re name address, and financial to service number, rank, unit, time in service. The rear has space for approval, badge number and financial to."Returned Services League of Australia - (Victorian Branch) - Application for Service Membership"brsl, smirsl, membership

This program was given to John Kerr Barnes OAM whose name appears on Page 8 of the awards for "Service to Veterans". Refer Cat No 8040 for all Jacks awards. Cat No 8045P for photo of presentation.Program paper 18 pages, all print in blue, rear cover is blank. Front cover has Coat of Arms at the top followed by details of the Presentation of Australian Honours and Awards, pages detail the type of awards, who to and why. The last two pages are re invite to light refershments in the State Apartments and Official photographs of each person."INVESTITURE at Government House Melbourne on Thursday 4th May 1995 for the presentation of Australian Honours and Awards by H.E. the Honorable Richard. E. McGarvie, A.C. Govenor of Victoria" brsl, smirsl, oam

The Bendigo Easter Carnival was a Fund Raiser for the Bendigo Sub Branch for many years. The list of names of the volunteers there are many who were tireless workers for the Sub Branch over many years. Name in red pen. David Patterson refer Cat No 8070.Roster, paper, 4 pages stapled together, the 3/4th pages are fold out. Page 1 is a letter from the Secretary Bendigo RSL Sub Branch detailing the dates and places for RSL Volunteers to man the gates at the Easter Fair and events around town. Page 2 is a list of Volunteers names, dates & places ie Art Show at the Memorial Hall, Football at the QEO, Crowning ceremony at White Hills Technical School. Pages 3/4 details names, dates to man the entrance gates to the Easter Fair ie Park Road, Barnard Street, Fernery Gate and Cohns Gate.Page 1, "Returned Services League Bendigo Sub Branch - President D.J. Paterson - Secretary J.K. Barnes - Memorial Hall - Phone 434013 - March 1978. In red pen on page 1. "David Paterson"brsl, smirsl, easter,

The Poppy Appeal is conducted yearly leading up to Remembrance Day November 11th. This Appeal and the following 5 Appeals through to 2008 were all conducted from the Soldiers Memorial Institute in the old kitchen which was demolished as part of the Restorations during 2016 - 18.Certificate, frame is timber black colour, certificate in colour has white background with ornate edge with RSL Logo at the top followed by "Returned & Service's League of Australia (Victorian Branch) Inc".Under is the detail of the award, signed and dated with Red Seal in RH Corner."Awarded to Bendigo RSL - Sub Branch - Top seller 2003 Poppy Appeal Country area - 31st January 2004"brsl, smirsl, poppy appeal

The Poppy Appeal is conducted every year leading up to Remembrance Day November 11th.Certificate, frame is timber brown/gold colour, certificate in colour white background with RSL Logo at the top, followed by "Returned & Service's League of Australia (Victorian Branch) Inc", under is the details of the award, signed and dated with red seal in RH corner."Awarded to Bendigo RSL Sub - Branch - Top seller 2004 Poppy Appeal country area - 31st January 2005"brsl, smirsl, poppy appeal

The ANZAC Appeal is conducted every year leading up to ANZAC Day April 25th.Certificate, frame is timber brown/gold colours, certificate in colour white background with ornate edge, RSL Logo at the top followed by "Returned & Service's League of Australia (Victorian Branch) Inc, under is details of the award, signed and dated with red seal in RH corner."Awarded to - Bendigo RSL Sub - Branch Inc - Top seller 2005 ANZAC Appeal country area 25th April 2005"brsl, smirsl, anzac appeal

The Poppy Appeal is conducted every year leading up to Remembrance Day November 11th.Certificate, frame is timber brown/gold colour, certificate in colour white background ornate edge with RSL Logo at the top followed by "Returned and Service's League of Australia (Victorian Branch) Inc", signed and dated with red seal in RH Corner."Awarded to - Bendigo RSL Sub - Branch Inc - Top seller 2006 Poppy Appeal country area - date 11th November 2006brsl, smirsl, poppy appeal

The Poppy Appeal is conducted every year in the lead up to Remembrance Day November 11th.Certificate, frame is timber brown colour, certifcate colour with ornate edge with RSL Logo at the top followed by "Returned & Service's League of Australia (Victorian Branch) Inc", under is details of the award, signed and dated, red seal in RH corner."Awarded to Bendigo RSL Sub - Branch - In recognition of your achievement in obtaining the highest sales for the 2007 Poppy Appeal in the country area - dated 27th February 2008"brsl, smirsl, poppy appeal

The Poppy Appeal is conducted every year in the lead up to Remembrance Day 11th November.Certificate, frame is timber brown colour, certificate colour with ornate edge RSL Logo at the top followed by "Returned & Service's League of Australia (Victorian Branch) Inc", under is details of the award, signed, dated and red seal in RH corner."Awarded to Bendigo RSL Sub Branch - In recognition of your achievement in being top seller for the 2008 Poppy Appeal in the country area - dated 11th November 2008"brsl, smirsl, poppy appeal

.1) This one was used in the Writing room which later became a Meeting room then finally the RSL Building & History room. it was attached to the LH side of the Fire Place and ran an old Electric Heater on the Hearth. It was used up to about 2005. .2) This one was in the Old Kitchen built on the side of the Soldiers Memorial Institute in the mid 1960's This one ran the Electric stoves used by the Womens Auxiliary of the Bendigo RSL and to make the Rum & Coffee for the ANZAC Day Dawn service. The kitchen was removed as part of the Renovations in 2016 - 18..1) Heater meter, metal construction black coating, top face has a glass section with a "usage meter" saying "coins paid, unused", metal plate under with details re numbers, maker, coins per hour, on right side slot for "Shillings only" with knob, removeable lockable tray at bottom for coin storage and removing. .2)Same style as .1) but a different glass face style metering, it has 11 circular dials with one hand, these show "Coins paid, coins unused", this one shows the round meter going around when in use. The only differance between to two shapes is at the top re fixing to a wall..1) On plate, "Remote Control Switch - for alternating switch No 26 204 020 - Type Wik 36.1 - Adjustable 1-6 coins per hour, Adjusted for 1 coin per hour" On stickers, "insert 10 cents - Turn knob to right". .2) On glass section, "230/240 revs per KWH - 1200 - Serial No 8338380 - 5 - 50". On label stuck on, "10 c equals 1/2 hour"brsl, smirsl, shilling

This Typewriter was last used by Jack Barnes OAM at the Bendigo RSL Office at the Soldiers Memorial Institute in Pall Mall until he retired after 43 years as Secretary in early 2006.Typewriter, heavy metal construction, body is light grey colour, keys are black with white lettering, there is one key with red lettering. The brand "Olivetti 82" is centre of the Typewriter.brsl, smirsl, olivetti

This chair was possibly donated as a "Presidents Chair" by Bill Nicholls. Refer Cat No 149 for Bill Nicholls service history and Cat No 8073P for RSL history.Swivel Chair, timber construction light brown stain, arm rests, chair swivels on 4 legs with castors. One arm has a small brass plaque on. Seat and back rest are dark blue vinyl.On brass plaque, "Presented to Bendigo RSL by Mr W.B. Nicholls 10th. Feb. 1969"brsl, smirsl, chair

Ernie Jackman. Served on the Committee Bendigo RSL for the years 1961,62 and 1973. Served on the Welfare Sub Committee for 15 years. Welfare Officer for the years 1975 & 78. Organised the distribution of parcels to homes and hospitals at Xmas. Appeals Officer for the years 1960 through to 1994. Chairman of the RSL Memorial Committee. Refer Cat No 10942P for his service details.Life Membership Certificate of the RSL Australia, yellow background, RSL Logo at the top, followed by details awarded to "Ernest A Jackman" by the National Executive as a member of the Bendigo Sub Branch, dated "11th Day of September 1986", red seal on RH side, signed by the National President and the National Secretary if Canberra.Main points, "Ernest A Jackman" - Sir William Keys OBE, MC" - Jan J Gollings"brsl, smirsl, eajackman

Ernest Alfred Jackman acknowledging his 60 years Membership of the RSL. Refer Cat No 8278 for his RSL Service history refer Cat No 10942P for his service details..1) Certificate letter, A4, at the top RSL logo followed by details of the Vic Branch in Melbourne. Letter is dated, address of recipient followed by text typed re 60 years of RSL Membership and signed by the Victorian President. .2) Certificate A4 colour, RSL Logo at the top followed by the recognition of 60 years membership of the RSL Australia, signed at the bottom, signed with a red seal on the RH side..1) Letter main points, "Dear Ernest" - Re 60 years RSL Membership - David J McLachlan Major Gen (Retd) .2) Main points, "Awarded to Ernest Jackman" - Signed by "David Mclachlan" - Date, "24th November 2008"brsl, smirsl, eajackman

The Soldier is George Wheeler, refer Cat No 8263 for his Military and RSL service history.Photograph, sepia tone showing a Soldier in uniform, great coat on, sitting on some lattice work in a studio setting.On rear hand written, "George R.A. Wheeler, enlisted 1917"brsl, smirsl, gwheeler

The item is a mixture of Military and RSL service. The Medallion at the top has around the edge, "Centenary of the Government of Victoria 1851 - 1951". In the centre of has, "Awarded to G.R. Wheeler Esq for 25 years service to the Returned Servicemen". The bottom inset has the following. Badge, "8th Australian Infantry Regiment". (George served in pre War) Badge, "For King and Empire - Services rendered". Button. From an Army uniform. Badge. "Life Member of the RSL". Badge. "RSL membership badge with membership year clip 1920 on" Badge. "Super Veteran - Royal Victorian Bowls Association"' Medals. "British War medal 1914 - 1918" "Coronation medal 1953". George Wheeler, refer Cat No 8263 for his Military and RSL Service details.Framed timber with a fawn colour back ground with a medallion at the top followed by a photo inset, at bottom inset are a set of medals and 6 various badges.Main item is, "18465 Pte George. Robert. Wheeler - Australian Army Medical Corps AIF.brsl, smirsl, gwheeler

The depiction is of George Wheeler, refer Cat No 8263 for his Military and RSL Service history..1) Framed Colour cartoon depiction of a man with glasses, smoking a pipe, suit on walking with papers under one arm. The cartoonists name at the bottom. .2) Same cartoon as .1) but the original from the Newspaper, this has a heading at the top with text at the bottom. This piece is in an envelope pasted on the rear .1).1) "Dudley Gordon". .2) At top, "Bendigo Personalities - Dudley Gordon - Mr George Wheeler - Secretary 27th District Board of the R.S.L".brsl, smirsl, gwheeler

This framed print was originally hanging in the Offices of the Bendigo District RSL.Photograph - colour, full length formal portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, standing in a furnished room. Lower right small scroll shaped name label with the words, "Her Majesty/ Queen Elizabeth II", Printed on photographic paper. Frame - timber, brown stain with decorative inner edge. Glass front and brown paper on back. On back - printed and handwritten information. On back - Handwritten in blue ink pen "APRIL 2000". "GALLERIA/ FRAMING 7 PRINTS/ CNR HIGH & OAK STREETS/ GOLDEN SQUARE 3505/ PH: (054) 47 0484".queen elizabeth ii, brsl, smirsl

The Bendigo Branch of the National Servicemen's Association was established Post 2000 and held their meetings at the Bendigo District RSL Sub Branch Havilah Rd.National Servicemen's Association Logo framed, square shape, blue and white colours with central map of Australia with crossed swords over with crown, eagle and anchor representing Navy, Army and Airforce. The frame has a brass inscribed plaque at the bottom.On the small brass plaque, "Presented to Bendigo RSL by NSAA Bendigo Sub Branch"brsl, smirsl, nsaa,

The program details the opening of the Soldiers Memorial Institute conducted by his Excellency the Earl of Stradbroke Govenor of Victoria on Tuesday 21st of November 1921. Contains information and photos of Office Bearers of the Returned Soldiers Association, Diggers Business Association and Memorial Hall Concert night. Advertisements for local Business sponsors appear on the last 3 pages. The Bendigo RSL Sub - Branch took occupancy of the building on the day as Tenants and remains so till now. Refer Cat No’s 8222 and 8224 for the original “Indenture” re the use of the Soldiers Memorial Institute by the Bendigo R.S.S.I.L.A (RSL) signed on 22.4.1920 by the Mayor, Councillors, RSL and witnesses. .1) Souvenir program all paper blue covers with window inset published for the opening of the "Soldiers Memorial Institute" in Pall Mall Bendigo Victoria. .2) Same as above but has grey covers.brsl, smirsl, pamphlet

This plaque was originally placed in the Foyer (or vestibule on the original plans) of the Soldiers Memorial Institute Bendigo in 1921. After the renovations to the SMI 2016 - 18 it was placed in what was originally called "The Writing Room" now named "The Building and RSL History Room"Plaque brass with engraved writing in black attached by 4 screws to a backing piece on a wall."This Lounge was furnished by the Municipal Branch of the Australian Comforts Fund"brsl, smirsl, comforts

This plaque was originally placed in the Foyer (Vestibule on original plans) of the Soldiers Memorial Institute Bendigo in 1921. After closure in 2016-18 for the renovations to SMI the plaque was then placed in what was originally called the "Writing Room" now called "The Building and RSL History Room". The plaque had the gold paint renewed about 2012 - 15.Plaque marble, grey with streaks of white through, inscription is engraved with Gold paint. The plaque is attached via 2 screws to a backing board on a wall."38th BATTALION COMFORTS FUND supplied portion of the funds for this building. Rene Neill Hon Sec"brsl, smirsl, 38th

This plaque was originally in the Foyer (vestibule on the original plans) of the Soldiers Memorial Institute Bendigo to compliment framed photos of Soldiers who never came home from the Great War. This was unveiled on ANZAC Day 1927. After the closure of the SMI for renovations 2016 - 18 the plaque was placed in what was originally called "The Writing Room" now called "The Building and RSL history Room"Plaque brass with curved corners with inscribed text in black with several scrolls around. Plaque is attached via 4 screws to a backing board onto a wall.“THIS GALLERY of HONOR Instituted by the Bendigo Branch of the RS&SILA exclusively contains portraits of members of the AIF who in the service to King and Empire made the supreme sacrifice in the Great War 1914 - 1919 into the imperishable memory of the priceless heritage beqeathed by them to the nation. This Gallery is dedicated in reverent gratitude”brsl, smirsl, plaque